Following in the wake of 16 year old Kiwi singing sensation Lorde, it seems New Zealand festival scene music has caught the world’s eye just in time for Summer down under.
A host of music festivals showcasing new kiwi music will take place from December to February. From big names such as Pearl Jam, Rudimental and Wiz Khalifa to local talent such as Kora and Opiuo, New Zealand’s diverse festival scene caters to practically every possible musical taste. Here is a sample of the must go to music festivals coming up over the next few months.
Rhythm And Vines, Gisborne, 29th December 2013 – 01st January 2014
See in the New Year with more than 30,000 people and enjoy over a hundred acts on five different stages at the increasingly popular festival, Rhythm and Vines held in the stunning Waiohika Estate in North Island’s Gisborne. For the first time in New Zealand, Wiz Khalifa will be headlining along with DJ set Rudimental, drum and bass artist Danny Byrd, Australia’s electronic duo Empire of the Sun and many more. Rhythm and Vines tickets cost from £121 per person for the full three days without accommodation with camping, glamping and teepee stays all available. For more information visit www.rhythmandvines.co.nz
La De Da, Martinborough, 30th December 2013 – 01st January 2014
For those looking for something a little more low key, La De Da is another New Year extravaganza set amongst the vineyards of Martinborough just an hour from Wellington. Hip-hop artist, A$AP Rocky and New Zealand’s most electric and sonically powerful band, Kora are just some of the highlights. Known as one of the best wine regions in New Zealand, festival goers can enjoy fine wine and gourmet food as well as the impressive musical line-up. La De Da tickets cost from £77 per person for the full two days without accommodation with camping or a host of lodges in the region. For more information visit www.ladeda.co.nz
Laneway Festival, Auckland, 27th January 2014
Auckland Laneway Festival is back for another year at the impressive urban playground of Silo Park in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter. With the iconic silos towering above and the blue sea surrounding, Silo Park is a prime location to enjoy the epic musical acts that are in store. Acts are still to be announced but judging by last year’s caliber of artists, which included Alt-J and Jessie Ware, it’s sure to be phenomenal – a great way to experience New Zealand’s City of Sails. For more information visit www.auckland.landewayfestival.com
Prana New Years Festival, Big Day Out And Homegrown Festival
Other top picks include Prana New Years Festival (www.prana.co.nz/prana/new-years-festival-2014) in Opoutere, North Island featuring The Pohutukawa Stage that showcases electric New Zealand artists, soulful bands and international artists. Experience a mind-blowing line-up in just one day at Big Day Out (www.bigdayout.co.nz) in Auckland, featuring Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, Snoop Dogg and The Lumineers on17th January. Proudly showcasing New Zealand’s talent, the Homegrown (www.homegrown.net.nz) festival takes place 15th February on the Wellington Waterfront with more than sixty acts across eight stages including rock, dub and pop and the Red Bull sound lab, not to mention the breakdancing competitions, food markets, street performers and art installations.
For more information on New Zealand events and festivals visit http://www.newzealand.com/uk/events/
